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TARZAN Star Joe Lara and Wife Gwen Die in Plane Crash

Joe and Gwen Lara – Photo via JoeLaraOfficial Instagram

TARZAN Star Joe Lara and Wife Gwen Die in Plane Crash

By Movieguide® Staff

Joe Lara, best known for his role in 1996’s TARZAN: THE EPIC ADVENTURES, died on May 29 after a small plane crashed into a Tennessee lake, the Associated Press reported. He was 58. 

The actor’s wife, Gwen Lara, also died in the crash, along with five others. The couple and the others on the flight all attended Remnant Fellowship Church.  

“The seven Remnant Fellowship leaders lost May 29, 2021 were some of the finest and most loving people that you would ever come across. During this horrible tragedy, our church would greatly appreciate prayers,” the church said in a statement. “We want everyone who was affected, especially the children of the passengers, to know that they are very loved and our church will be taking special care of the children’s needs in these coming years.”

The statement continued: “Gwen Shamblin Lara was one of the world’s most kind, gentle, and selfless mother and wife, and a loyal, caring, supportive best friend to all. She lived every day laying down her own life to ensure that others could find a relationship with God. Because of that, her memory will definitely remain for a long time as she has a place in millions of people’s hearts around the world through her work with Weigh Down Ministries and Remnant Fellowship Church. Her wonderful and supportive husband, Joe Lara, will also be greatly missed.

“The other passengers who perished in the crash were Remnant Fellowship leaders who were very involved in the community and loved by many – David and Jennifer Martin, Jonathan and Jessica Walters, and Brandon Hannah. On behalf of Remnant Fellowship Church, we would like to thank the First Responders and all who have helped our church and these families during this difficult time.”

The statement concluded: “Finally, as far as Remnant Fellowship Church and Weigh Down Ministries are concerned, Michael Shamblin and Elizabeth Shamblin Hannah, Gwen’s two children, and the church leadership intend to continue the dream that Gwen Shamblin Lara had of helping people find a relationship with God.”

According to AP, the seven passengers aboard a Cessna C501 were headed to Palm Beach International Airport in Florida. 

Variety reported

Born in San Diego, Calif. on Oct. 2, 1962, Lara is best known for playing the character of Tarzan in the CBS television movie “Tarzan in Manhattan” in 1989 and its consecutive spin-off series, “Tarzan: The Epic Adventures” from 1996 to 1997. Lara’s other credits include the action films “American Cyborg: Steel Warrior” (1993), “Steel Frontier” (1995), “Warhead” (1996), “Armstrong” (1998) and “Doomsdayer” (2000). He transitioned from acting to country music in the early 2000s, releasing the album “Joe Lara: The Cry of Freedom” in 2009.

He and Gwen Lara, who founded the faith-based diet program Weigh Down Workshop and the Remnant Fellowship Church, married in 2018. They lived in Brentwood, Tenn. Survivors include Lara’s daughter, Liana.

Join Movieguide® in praying for those affected by the crash. 

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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.